Flipper shaft end play spacing gauge

Most people know that pinball machines usually came from the factory with a 'goodie bag' included. This was a plastic bag, usually stapled to the bottom of the cabinet, containing parts like extra slingshots, light bulbs, rubbers and the yellow metal part to close the interlock circuit.

Most WPC Bally / Williams pinball machines also came with a second smaller plastic bag that also contained some extra parts.

Inside this bag are extra security screws for the backbox lock, but also a white, plastic thing.

Its name is longer than the piece itself. This is Williams part number 03-8194, the 'Flipper shaft end play spacing gauge'.

A small tool with a long, important sounding name.. this has to be important, right ?
You bet it is ! This is one of the most important tools required to adjust flippers. This small plastic thing will make sure Williams flippers 'feel' right to the pinball player !

The following picture shows the manual on how to use it:

Every time you work on the flippers, you slide the prongs of the tool around the shaft of the flipper bat. It goes in between the nylon flipper bushing and metal flipper crank assembly. There should be just enough space so the spacing gauge can move free around, without excessive looseness or binding. Tighten the metal screw of the metal flipper crank, and finally remove the plastic tool.

Using this simple tool everyone who adjusts the flippers is able to set them correct. Too many people just don't know how to properly adjust flippers. Overtighten them and they loose power or feel sluggish. Too sloppy flippers also don't feel right to a pinball player.

Free download

As this tool was included in the 1990ies with new Bally / Williams pinball machines, there's no source of new parts anymore since the last 2 decades.. It's not only useful for WPC games but for all games but also works on more recent Stern models. It should be in the toolbox of every pinball owner.

Therefor I modeled this tool in 3D and made it available as a free download.

Download and print in PLA with a 3D printer. It is just strong and flexible enough like the original part.

How to use the flipper spacing gauge

The tool goes in between these parts.

The parts sit tight on top of each other. My thumb is where the playfield would be.

Here is how you use it under the playfield.

If you're looking for pinball parts, then check out Pinballshop.nl (affiliate link).